Dental injuries are a common type of mouth trauma, which can occur during sports, automobile accidents, falls, or even when biting into hard objects like ice. While dental injuries range in severity, many, such as a broken or knocked-out tooth, are considered dental emergencies. As a result, knowing the signs and symptoms of teeth injuries and when to seek immediate dental treatment is essential.
Dental injuries can be painful and inconvenient, but with prompt and proper treatment, they can often be resolved without lasting damage to your smile.
Common Types of Tooth Injuries
Tooth injuries are surprisingly common and can range from a minor chipped tooth to an urgent dental emergency. In most cases, immediate treatment is essential to minimise damage and ensure a successful outcome.
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Chipped tooth
A chipped tooth is a dental injury that usually occurs as a result of an impact to the mouth.
The force of the impact can cause the tooth to break, resulting in a jagged edge that can be felt with your tongue.
In some cases, the chip may be small and only affect a small portion of the tooth, but they can range in severity.
A chipped tooth is not usually considered a dental emergency, but treatment can help prevent the chip from worsening and maintain the appearance of your smile.
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Cracked tooth
A cracked tooth is a tooth injury that ranges in severity from tiny hairline fractures in the enamel (called craze lines) to large breaks that extend through the tooth. Typically, the crack begins near the gumline and extends vertically.
A cracked tooth is considered a dental emergency and should be treated by an emergency dentist as soon as possible. A cracked tooth can lead to further dental damage, pain, and infection if left untreated.
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Broken tooth
Broken teeth are dental injuries that occur when a part of the tooth completely breaks off, often exposing nerves or the dental pulp. Like cracks and chips, broken teeth are usually caused by trauma to the mouth; however, a broken tooth can also be caused by an untreated crack that eventually separates.
A broken tooth is a dental emergency. It is vital to see an emergency dentist for immediate treatment to prevent pain, infection, and further damage to the tooth or nerves.
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Fractured root
A fractured root, commonly called a vertical root fracture, occurs when the tooth is fractured below the gumline. The crack may sometimes originate in the root and extend above the gumline.
A fractured root is a serious dental emergency, and you should seek prompt treatment from an emergency dentist.
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Avulsed tooth
An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket. Avulsed teeth are an urgent dental emergency, as they can damage the surrounding teeth and soft tissue.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, it is vital to receive immediate treatment because your dentist may be able to replant it.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries
Dental injuries are not uncommon, so it is essential to be able to identify common signs and symptoms of teeth injuries so you can restore your smile as soon as possible.
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Cracked or broken tooth
A cracked or broken tooth is one of the most common symptoms of dental injuries. A visual inspection of the mouth can usually detect if your tooth is fractured or broken.
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Pain
Pain in the tooth, gums, or jaw is another common sign of a dental injury. If you have injured your tooth and are experiencing tooth pain, you may have damaged the pulp or nerves deep in the tooth, which can indicate a dental emergency. Jaw pain after injuring your tooth can indicate a spreading infection, which is also an emergency.
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Sensitivity
Sensitivity is a commonly experienced symptom of a tooth injury. Breaks and cracks in the teeth can expose the dentin, which is usually protected by enamel. This can lead to sensitivity to a variety of stimuli. Cold, hot, sweet, and acidic foods are the most common stimuli that aggravate sensitivity.
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Bleeding
The jagged edge of a broken tooth can cut the nearby gum, leading to bleeding in the mouth. Infection as a result of a tooth injury can also lead to bleeding gums.
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Inflammation
Tooth injuries can lead to inflammation of the gums, which can be a sign of infection. This is most common with broken or vertically fractured teeth.
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Poor jaw function
If your tooth injury leads to infection, it can spread to nearby structures like the jaw. This can make it difficult to open or close your mouth and cause pain while chewing.
Treating Common Tooth Injuries
Regardless of the nature of your dental injury, it is important to see an emergency dentist for treatment. Prompt treatment can prevent your tooth injury from deteriorating further and, in emergencies, may save your tooth.
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Bonding
If you have a minor crack or chip, your dentist may perform a bonding procedure to fill the gap in your tooth and restore its function.
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Root canal
If your dental crack or break extends to the pulp, your dentist may prescribe root canal therapy to remove the pulp and restore functionality.
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Dental crown
If you have a broken tooth that does not affect the pulp, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. This procedure covers and protects the damaged tooth, restoring its appearance, strength and function. Ask your No Gaps Dentist about same-day crowns so that you can restore your smile in just one dental visit.
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Extraction
In some cases, an injured tooth cannot be saved due to damage or infection, so it may need to be removed. Your dentist can discuss your options, such as a dental bridge or dental implant for restoring your smile once the extraction site has healed.
Treat Your Dental Injuries at No Gaps Dental
Identifying the signs and symptoms of teeth injuries can save your tooth in an emergency. If you suspect you have injured your tooth, even without symptoms, it is important to receive treatment to prevent further complications.
If you have injured your tooth or are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a tooth injury, call No Gaps Dental at (02) 8007 6727 for a consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Review of the Literature
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/adj.12395
Clinical Practice Guidelines: Dental Trauma
https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Dental_injuries/
Serious Tooth Infections
https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/tooth-removal/serious-infections